Food Report: Health risk closures in DC's high dollar districts

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) - A 9 Wants to Know review of food safety suspensions identified closures in Mazza Gallerie, Georgetown, and into Prince George's County ranging from a crab shack to an AMC theater to a Cosi restaurant.

See what we found in the above video Food Alert report.

Unheeded warnings to blame

Unheeded warnings to employ a food safety manager, according to health department records, were to blame for several closures.

Certified food safety managers are required to be on duty to prevent health risks and lead staff on safe food handling, storage, and preparation.

According to documents reviewed by 9 Wants to Know, restaurants that defy the order and operate without one are likely to have other violations that could make customers sick.

"I dispute it all" said Georgetown coffee shop manager

Red Toque Express's gourmet coffee bar, 1003 Wisconsin Ave NW, is an example of an establishment operating without a food safety manager where inspectors found dozens of violations.

The coffee bar is just down the street from M and Wisconsin in the heart of Georgetown.

Health department records indicate inspectors had warned AMC twice about the violation in inspections last month where inspectors also cited mold on the ice machine and debris in the move theater's popcorn drawer.

Except for Red Toque Express in Georgetown, reports indicate the others have passed re-inspection and reopened.

Prince George's County also reports closing three illegal roadside operations.

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